Editorial: Small steps toward loftier goals in week ahead in local government

Small but important steps on issues we hope to see advance in 2016 are on tap in the coming days.

At the start of the year, diversifying the economy and progress in consolidating emergency service agencies in Collier County were two of seven issues the Naples Daily News editorial board identified as important to see move forward.

Here is some of what's ahead this week in local government:

Headquarters

Collier commissioners have an opportunity we hope they seize to continue pushing forward with combining local tax dollars and state economic incentives to add hundreds of jobs at two headquarters for undisclosed companies.

Dubbed "Project Ice" and "Project Nikita" to keep their identities secret to date, the companies could create about 625 well-paying jobs in Collier. Commissioners have agreements to assist with these dollars on their consent agenda, which means it could be approved without comment unless one of the commissioners asks to discuss it.

One company anticipates bringing 560 new positions to Collier that county records say would have an average annual wage of $54,000. The company would make a capital investment of $63.3 million to set up headquarters here, documents show. Commissioners would offer $600,000 over five years to match the state's $2.5 million.

While the second prospect offers fewer jobs — 55 to 60 — it too holds great promise because of high salaries involved, along with a $1.5 million capital investment. County records say the salary for jobs for this company would average $180,000. Commissioners should agree Tuesday to provide more than $483,000 in incentives over four years, with a second part of the deal due for consideration in several weeks.

Commissioners also are to consider a $5.4 million contract to replace two 50-year-old bridges along Vanderbilt Drive, north of 111th Avenue North, and to incorporate a new 10-foot-wide walking and biking path along the stretch up to Bonita Beach Road. Work could begin later this year and wrap up in spring — right in season.

In addition, commissioners could set the proposed tax rate for next fiscal year at the same countywide millage of $3.56 per $1,000 of taxable value.

Commissioners meet beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday in chambers on the third floor of the government center, corner of U.S. 41 East and Airport-Pulling Road.

Fire district

Another piece of the fire district consolidation puzzle could be put in place if the Isles of Capri community agrees to be annexed by the Greater Naples Fire Rescue District.

Citizens will have an opportunity to hear about the idea at a town hall meeting starting at 6 p.m. Thursday at Isles of Capri Community Center on Capri Boulevard.

Greater Naples Fire Chief Kingman Schuldt said the Capri area is served under a management agreement with the county, but the area would be annexed into Greater Naples' district if voters agree.

In the August 2014 primary that recorded a miserable 21 percent turnout, a merger of the Capri fire department with the then- East Naples district lost in a close vote. Another citizen vote is scheduled Aug. 30, this time to join Greater Naples, which we hope Capri voters will embrace. Other steps such as legislative approval of the annexation are completed, Schuldt said.

South Lee

Budget-related meetings are on tap this week in both Estero and Bonita Springs.

Among items on the agenda of the Estero Village Council when it meets at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday are adoption of a capital improvement plan for the new municipality and setting the tax rate for fiscal 2016-17. Final consideration of rezoning of Via Coconut and Genova projects also are on tap. Council meets at 9401 Corkscrew Palms Circle.

The newly configured Bonita Springs City Council gets a look at a proposed 2016-17 budget when it meets at 9 a.m. Wednesday at City Hall, 9101 Bonita Beach Road.

Also of note: The Collier Supervisor of Elections staff hosts a grand opening at 10 a.m. Thursday for the relocated elections office at 3750 Enterprise Ave., east of Naples.